This week, September 7 to 14, 2014, is Disaster Preparedness Week.
We know that being prepared for an emergency can help people get back on their feet more quickly if one is to occur. Research shows that Australians are under-prepared for a disaster with around 80 per cent of Australian homes not having a plan for what to do in an emergency.
You know you’re prepared when…you have identified and included your precious and irreplaceable items in your emergency plan.
Having to decide what to take and what to leave behind in the midst of a disaster can add to the stress and trauma of a terrible situation.
Andrew Coghlan, Australian Red Cross Emergency Services, says Disaster Preparedness Week is about encouraging all Australians to protect what’s most important to them and to make or update their emergency plans.
“We’re asking Australians to give some thought to what they would miss if they were to lose precious items in the event of a disaster, and to take action to ensure they are prepared,” he said.
Independent research commissioned by Australian Red Cross shows that only one in five Australians is adequately prepared for a disaster.
“The loss of memories, personal belongings and keepsakes as a result of disaster, can be as traumatic as coping with the disaster.” says Coghlan.
Disasters can strike anyone, any time, and being prepared is the best way to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the whole family. As the weather warms up it is a reminder that the peak season for natural disasters such as floods, fires and cyclones is approaching.
Now is a great time to get ready. Knowing what to do, where to go, who to talk to, and what is important to you is the best way to be prepared.
“Protecting what’s important to you is just part of making an emergency plan. Emergency REDiPlan – our community information program, helps people prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies,” he said.
First National Foundation has teamed up with Red Cross to help people and communities across Australia prepare for disasters and emergencies. The partnership has a dual focus; in addition to contributing funds to disaster relief and recovery efforts, the partnership helps Red Cross inform and educate communities across Australia as they prepare and plan for disasters.
“Each year, our sponsorship of Australian Red Cross plays an important role in sharing information about how to prepare for natural disasters” First National Foundation chairman Simon O’Donoghue said. “By helping people think ahead and prepare their properties, we help put them in a better position to respond if the worst comes to the worst”.
John Richardson, Australian Red Cross National Coordinator Emergency Preparedness, says the impact of a disaster can last for years and can cause huge stress to you and your loved ones.
“People who’ve prepared and planned for an emergency often have a resilience that helps them
recover faster than others, both financially and emotionally.”
Being well prepared means understanding the hazards, being connected to people in your community and having an emergency plan and emergency kit, says Mr Richardson. “An important part of that emergency plan is knowing how you’ll protect what’s most important – from your photo albums and passports to your child’s teddy and family heirlooms.”
Emergency REDiPlan is a set of free resources, including planning templates, activity sheets, booklets and face-to-face information sessions, to help people prepare for any type of disaster. These resources are available from Red Cross’ website or from your local Red Cross office.
REDiPlan was developed by Red Cross with the support of First National Foundation, which has contributed more than $1.6 million. This year the Foundation is also donating $45,000 to develop a REDiPlan smart phone app.
Visit www.redcross.org.au to find out how you can be better prepared for a disaster.
Emergency REDiPlan’s four steps to prepare households are to:
• be informed
• make a plan
• obtain an emergency kit
• know your neighbours
Prepare your household for an emergency.
Download and prepare your Emergency REDiPlan:
http://www.redcross.org.au/files/REDiPlan_booklet.pdf
